“Under the Sea” Mermaid Inspired Styled Shoot | PhotoLUSH 2016 | Lairmont Manor

Three years ago, I heard about a photography workshop called PhotoLUSH. It began in Bellingham, Washington, the brainchild of photographers Clinton James Lively of Clinton James Photography and Aaron Nelson of Evantide Photography.

I remember that first conference well. I was a newbie photographer and beside myself in anticipation of spending the weekend doing nothing but talking and learning about photography and running a photography business…nirvana!

My heart fairly twitterpated at the thought of discussing photography with people whose eyes wouldn’t glaze over while discussing the exposure triangle, post processing, and social media marketing (apologies to my husband, who tries, but just isn’t into it).

I soaked up the information and networking with other photographers like a sponge. And, even though I admittedly felt intimidated by schmoozing with far more experienced photographers than I….I needn’t have feared. They were more than willing to share resources, answer questions, and just generally be nice to me.

I’ve returned to PhotoLUSH every year since. In 2015, I even won the coveted “Lushie” award for “Best in Wedding Photography,” an honor that meant far more to me than it probably should have–the salon competition is just for fun and grins (and also to show our work and appreciate others’ work). But, somehow, that small token built my confidence in ways I can’t explain–to know that my work was enjoyed and appreciated by photographers who I looked up to…well, it doesn’t get better than that!

Although this was my fourth year to attend PhotoLUSH, my enthusiasm didn’t wane. Every year is different. There are new people to meet, new challenges to tackle, new things to learn. One of the things I love about photography is that one can never know it all. It’s a never-ending treasure trove of learning.

I must confess that I have had a styled shoot project in mind for months…but just didn’t feel that I had the knowledge to pull it off. When I learned that one of the PhotoLUSH classes being offered this year was about styled shoots, hosted by a photographer who I admired (and who has done several styled shoots), I knew I had to be there. Katy Moran of Katheryn Moran Photography did not let us down (as you will see by these images). I now feel that I have the tools to bring my vision to life…so thank you, Katy!

The theme of the styled shoot was “Under the Sea,” with beautiful and colorfully creative details–not to mention our model, Taylor Brianne Moncrieff, who was gorgeousness personified! 

Please enjoy the images and be sure to check out the vendors listed at the end of the post. They made my job easy and I can’t thank them enough for their efforts.

Please visit the websites of these vendors who brought the “Under the Sea” Mermaid Inspired Shoot to life:

Flowers: Pozie by Natalie

Makeup & Hair: Susan of Salon Tryst

Event Rentals: Rustic Event Rentals

Stationery: Noteworthy Ink

Dress: Gown and Glove

Cupcakes: Cupcakes Like it Sweet

Coordinator: MOMAD Productions

Stamped Flatware: For Such A Time Designs